Where to go in Hanoi City

Hanoi is famous by its streets and ancient projects. To be voted as one of the most charming cities in the World, Hanoi can take a lot of time to experience it. Far East Tour share you the most interesting attractions of the Capital:

Hoan Kiem Lake: the special thing about Hanoi is that there are a lot of lakes inside and many huge rivers around the city. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center of Hanoi with an ancient turtle tower lying on a small island in the middle. Nearby the lake, many impressive and apriciated constructions of the city are found including Pen tower, Ink slab, The Huc Bridge leading to Dac Nguyet house or Tran Ba temple on the way to Ngoc Son Temple. 

One Pillar Pagoda: Hanoi is considered the Buddhism center of Vietnam with a number of hundreds year-old-temples and pagodas. One of the most renowned and unique works is the One- Pillar Pagoda which is in the shape of a lotus. This is the place that should not be missed when you come to visit Hanoi. Besides, Tran Quoc Pagoda constructed in Ly Nam De dynasty (6th century) is also an intesting place to visit. 

Temple of Literature is the place where worships Confucius; places doctoral stele and serves as the first university of Vietnam. At present, Temple of Literature is becoming an attractive destinstion for tourists. Some gifted students are honored here and the students who are going to take important exams often come here to pray for luck. 

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi-the typical architechtural construction of Hanoi. This is really an appealing destination to young Hanoians and visitors as well due to the airy and fresh space. Sipping a cup of coffee and enjoying the little cold weathwer in the early morning and chatting with friends over a cup of lemon tea at night are the things that make this place special and unique. 
 
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi's Old Quarter
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi's Old Quarter
 
The Old Quarter: the highlight of Hanoi. Hanoi 36 ancient streets consist of the old-styled narrow streets and antique brick houses which seem to retain their original appearances from 19th century. It is really interesting to spend a whole day wandering on those streets, discovering the inherent peace and simplicity of Hanoi. Only by visiting this place, can you have the real feeling of Vietnameses: friendly and hospitable.

Hanoi Opera House located at number 1, the city center street of Trang Tien is the smaller version of Opéra Garnier in Paris. This is the place where many national important events take place. 
 
Hanoi's vendors with the simple beauty
Hanoi's vendors with the simple beauty

Ba Dinh Square - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Houses of Parliament, Presidential Palace and Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh president read the statement of independence founding the Social Republic of Vietnam are some must-visit places when you come to Hanoi.  Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is the preserving place of Uncle Ho’s corpse. The mausoleum opens every Tuesday, Wenesday, Thusday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Visitors must comply with some regulations when visiting the mausoleum including dressing politely, not carrying any recording devices and keeping silent. 

West Lake: located not very far from the center of Hanoi, West Lake is the largest lake in this city. You can hire a bike or go sailing around West Lake. Sunset is the best time to visit the lake as you will have a chance to see the sundown. Next to West Lake is the ancient village of Nghi Tam where retains several elegant hobbies of the Hanoians including bonsai. Nghi Tam is dubbed the village of flowers. On the New Year occation, the village is overwhelmed with numerous kinds of fresh flowers. Some other should visit-places nearby include the bronze casting village of Ngu Xa and the insence making village of Yen Phu. 
 
Such charming Hanoi when the fall comes     
Hanoi in autumn goes into poetry by its gentle and romantic beauty 

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: despite not locating in the city center like other attractions, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is really worth your visit. Ranking fourth in the list the most attractive museums in Asia, this mueum is expected to bring you a large amount of knowledge about a multy cultural nation of Vietnam. 

Some other outstanding destinations: Vietnam Museum of History, Hoa Lo Prison, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Thang Long Theatre (See Waterpuppet), Long Bien Bridge, Ceramic Mosaic Mural, Dong Xuan Market, Ta Hien Street (night life), etc.  

 

Need-to-know info for travelling to Hanoi :

  • Please consult the price before deciding to buy things
  • Do not carry too much cash with you, a bank card will be a good choice for you because ATMs are everywhere.
  • In Hanoi, there are many temples and pagodas, so choose costumes that are suitable for the situation, don't wear shorts or old t-shirts when you visit a Pagoda
  • With every location, the sense of protection and preservation of property always comes first.


Travel Conversation Questions


Manolisk325 :
The hotel we stayed at Hanoi recommended we see the Water Puppet show located by the lake. It was a very unique and entertaining show, with whimsical and colorful performances that flowed seamlessly from one act to another. Throughout the show, musicians played on traditional Vietnamese string instruments and songs that enhanced the ambience and mood of the show. It was indeed a delightful experience and enjoyment that was different from other puppet show - professionally executed with skill, precision, and co-ordination. A definite must when visiting Hanoi.
Gretchen A: 

Staying in the middle of the old quarter. So many eateries, restaurants and coffee shops. On every street you have a variety of places to pick from. A fun and exciting area of Hanoi.

Msnaper :

Ta Hien - great place to go for some atmosphere. Had a meal and beer at Little Hoi An, we shared the chilli chicken meal, was nice. Then walked further down and had a meal at the Noodle Place. A beef dish, not enough beef, had with a beer. Atmosphere was loud and humming. All the Vietnamese try encourage you into their place to eat. Then we went and chilled out on the MK Rooftop Bar on the couches and had cocktails with Chris and Abby who we met up there. Fabulous night.

Jojo Breda :
Which are the must try local dishes of Hanoi?
Gretchen A: 
That depends on your tastes. A Google search will give you suggestions quicker than waiting for forum replies.
Geir D :
Bun Cha. My favourite! Have had it 3 days in a row now haha.
Kevin P :

My favourites during my holidays were:
- Phở bò and Phở gà / the famous noodle-soup
- Gỏi đu đủ / green papaya salad
- Bún chả / rice noodles with char grilled pork belly
- Chả Giò / fried spring rolls
- Thịt bò nướng lá lốt / grilled beef in lolot/betel leaves.

Fareastour :
There are many street foods in Hanoi like Bun Cha, Bun Ca, Banh Tom (West lake), Pho, sweet soup, some kinds of spring roll. You can enjoy it in the old quarter. So delicious.
Nita R :​
Plenty of great street foods throughout the Old Quarter...
Some favourites to look out for -
Bun Cha
Pho Ga
Nem Cua Be
Banh Mi
Nem Chua Ran
Look out for where the locals are eating - A good guide
Many hidden alley ways hide some local specialties and hidden gems that have been around for many generations...

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